Chapter 284
“Mr. Kingsley, your dear friend Dominic certainly knows how to make an impression.” Isabella tilted her head slightly, her curiosity barely concealed beneath a veneer of politeness. “Who else could orchestrate a charity gala with such effortless sophistication?”
“He’s not your typical businessman, is he?” she continued, her tone laced with intrigue. “There’s something distinctly political about him. In Ontdale, anyone who can single-handedly arrange a charity auction must have powerful connections.”
Isabella had long suspected there was more to Dominic than met the eye. She’d done her research—his advertising empire was the largest in the world, though he preferred to operate in the shadows for certain clients.
Her mind drifted back to the Burned Hands incident, when Dominic had swept in with his team to clean up the mess. His closeness to Alexander hadn’t escaped her notice either.
As she smiled, she studied Alexander’s reaction, searching for any hint of the secrets he guarded so carefully. For the first time, she found herself facing a rival who matched her in wit and strategy. Their shared struggles—both in their disabilities and in the competitive world of short-track speed skating—had forged a bond that was equal parts harmony and rivalry.
“The Sterling family is wealthy and well-connected. It’s no surprise they have such influence,” Alexander remarked casually.
“But Ms. Sinclair, you seem unusually well-informed about these matters.”
“Just a passing interest,” she replied airily.
“Is that so?” Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smirk, amusement flickering in his gaze. He watched her closely, recognizing the subtlety behind her probing. Yet neither was willing to reveal their hand. They danced around their secrets with practiced ease.
Resting her chin on her hand, Isabella tilted her head. “Since I’ve been so helpful, Mr. Kingsley, surely you have something delightful to offer in return?”
She wasn’t naive. A man of Alexander’s standing never lacked for female companionship. As the heir to the Kingsley fortune, even if women in Ontdale were wary of his unpredictable nature, none would refuse the chance to be his date. Besides, long before she’d entered the picture, Alexander had cultivated a reputation for attending events alone. How else would the rumors of his indifference toward women have spread?
He didn’t need her help finding a partner.
She understood the game but preferred this playful banter to outright pursuit.
“Ms. Sinclair, your reward will come in due time,” Alexander murmured, his gaze lingering on the delicate porcelain cup in her hand—its translucence accentuating the soft pink of her nails. Slowly, he met her eyes. “At the auction, you may bid on anything your heart desires, and I will gladly cover the cost.”
“Mr. Kingsley, aren’t you worried about going bankrupt with such a generous promise?” she teased.
“The Kingsley fortune is vast. I dare you to test its limits,” he replied, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Isabella couldn’t help but laugh. “The Kingsleys are indeed generous patrons,” she conceded.
“Then I accept your offer graciously,” she said, her eyes alight with anticipation.
Alexander glanced at the guest list in his hand, selecting the finest invitation to extend to her. Truthfully, she’d hit the mark—Dominic wasn’t the sole architect of this event. Alexander had been pulling strings behind the scenes.
He wasn’t one for grand gestures, but he was sharp. Having known Isabella for some time now, he’d wanted to give her something meaningful, yet nothing had felt worthy. An auction was perfect—letting her choose her own gift was the ultimate gesture.
Meanwhile, oblivious to his deeper thoughts, Isabella mused aloud, “Mr. Sterling must be quite the charmer, with admirers lining up at his door.”
Her observations from their last encounter lingered—there had been undeniable tension between Dominic and Olivia. Though rebellious, Olivia had been groomed as the Green family heir, her sharp instincts keeping her safe from manipulation. Isabella wasn’t worried about her safety—just curious about what might unfold.
Her probing was obvious, and Alexander caught on immediately. She was digging for information for her friend.
“Ms. Sinclair, it seems you’re quite invested in his character,” Alexander noted, amusement coloring his tone. “Dominic has his share of admirers. He’s charming, sociable—but don’t mistake that for openness. He guards his personal life fiercely.”
Alexander seized the moment to defend his friend, achieving two goals at once—helping Isabella while deftly sidestepping his own secrets.
Meanwhile, across town in the mall, Dominic sneezed uncontrollably.
“Surely I’m not catching a cold?” he muttered, feigning innocence as he rubbed his nose. “Miss Montgomery, isn’t it cruel to steal my coat on such a chilly day? If I fall ill, will you cover my medical bills?”
Olivia shot him a withering glare. “Mr. Sterling, do you possess even a shred of gentlemanly decency? I’m in a dress. It’s just a coat.”
“But I’m freezing!” he whined, adopting a pitiful expression.
“If you’re that cold, why not jump into the fountain?” she retorted, pointing toward the nearby water feature with a teasing smirk.
Dominic was speechless. He’d expected camaraderie—after all, Isabella, despite her aloofness, had always been gracious. Why hadn’t Olivia picked up on that? She was utterly relentless.
